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City of Greenville Official News Releases

Posted on: February 22, 2019

Mayor Knox White Receives Fred Brinkman Award

On Wednesday,Mayor Knox White received the Fred Brinkman Award, which is given periodically to South Carolinians who have made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the tourism industry on a local, regional and statewide level. Governor Henry McMaster presented Mayor White with the award at the54th annual South Carolina Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel, held in Columbia February 18-20.

Named for its first recipient, Fred P. Brinkman, the longest-serving director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the award was created by the South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition upon his retirement to recognize lifetime achievement in the state’s tourism industry. The awards committee is traditionally comprised of past award recipients and individuals appointed by the South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition Chair. Mayor White was honored for his vision, leadership and role in transforming Greenville into a nationally-recognized, award-winning destination over the past two decades.

The committee acknowledged the array of milestones achieved under Mayor White’s leadership, including the removal of the Camperdown Bridge, the creation of Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge, development along the Reedy River, construction of a baseball stadium downtown, development of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the renovation and preservation of historic buildings. The committee also recognized Mayor White for his continued ability to identify what is authentically Greenville and build on that uniqueness, as well as his commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive city for everyone.

“Our residents come first, and rather than creating attractions, we have spent the past 20+ years creating a place where people love to live,” said Mayor White. “All of the things that make Greenville a great city to visit have been carefully envisioned and planned for the people who call Greenville home.”